TOP_WATERS_15_1425
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LADYBOWER<br />
RESERVOIR<br />
IN the Peak District, 504-acre Ladybower offers<br />
13 miles of bank fishing, along with <strong>15</strong> boats, all<br />
at reasonable prices. Stocked rainbows (when<br />
it opened in the ‘40s, this was one of the first<br />
UK waters to stock rainbows) and browns, plus<br />
a head of wild browns are in this Y-shaped<br />
water. Nymphs, dries and lures do well.<br />
Scenic surroundings.<br />
28<br />
TROUTMASTERS<br />
20<strong>15</strong> WATER<br />
RAVENSTHORPE<br />
A 100-acre Victorian reservoir, one of the<br />
country’s oldest trout fisheries, along with<br />
Blagdon. Lies in a sheltered valley offering<br />
boat and bank fishing for quality rainbows and<br />
browns. Huge pike also caught and often on<br />
fly. Terrific buzzer sport as well as damsels in<br />
June and sedge on summer evenings. Superb<br />
boat facilities and there’s a small lodge with<br />
hot drinks as well as flies and leader for sale.<br />
29 CARSINGTON<br />
BOAT-only 750-acre water set<br />
amid Derbyshire rolling hills. Anglers like the<br />
tranquillity, crystal clear waters and quality<br />
rainbows and browns stocked weekly to 5lb<br />
all season. There’s a fleet of 16 boats, plus<br />
two Wheelyboats. A small selection of tackle<br />
available on site as well as refreshments at the<br />
watersports centre/visitor centre restaurant.<br />
TROUTMASTERS<br />
20<strong>15</strong> WATER<br />
TROUTMASTERS<br />
20<strong>15</strong> WATER<br />
AVINGTON TROUT FISHERY<br />
IF the Test and Itchen are jewels among<br />
Hampshire’s rivers, chalkstream-fed Avington<br />
enjoys similar status where its stillwaters are<br />
concerned. The three clear lakes are a stalker’s<br />
paradise. That the rainbow record stands at 28lb<br />
says it all. High quality rainbows, reared on site,<br />
are introduced daily, with browns added from<br />
spring onwards.<br />
LOCKWOOD BECK<br />
NORTH Yorkshire’s proactive<br />
stillwater with courses and competitions. Now<br />
in his 19th season, Gordon Byers ensures his<br />
60-acre water is the best it can be. Floattubes<br />
welcome, improved access for bank and<br />
disabled anglers, better facilities, extended<br />
lodge, winter bait fishing. But tradition is still<br />
upheld. Anglers enjoy tranquillity, rich feeding<br />
and quality fish from 1lb 8oz to doubles.<br />
22 <strong>TOP</strong> 100 STILL<strong>WATERS</strong> IN UK & IRELAND 20<strong>15</strong> TROUT FISHERMAN